Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after an emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday.
The defending champions entered the match needing a convincing win to keep their hopes of progressing alive following an opening defeat to Malawi and a hard-fought victory over Zambia.
The result ensured Nigeria advanced to the knockout stage in pursuit of a record-extending 11th WAFCON title.
Nigeria produced an attacking masterclass, scoring six times against the Pharaohs, who managed two goals in reply, as the Super Falcons completed one of the standout performances of the group stage.
The comprehensive victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Justine Madugu’s side after their shock opening loss to tournament debutants Malawi.
Nigeria had revived their campaign with a 1-0 win over Zambia despite playing much of that game with 10 players before sealing qualification with Wednesday’s commanding display against Egypt.
The Super Falcons will now await their quarter-final opponents as they continue their quest to retain the continental title in Morocco.
Post match report
Defending champions Nigeria produced their most convincing performance of the tournament on Wednesday, thrashing Egypt 6-2 to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons, who entered the final Group C match under pressure following a shock opening defeat to Malawi and a narrow victory over Zambia, responded with an emphatic display at the Rabat Olympic Stadium to secure qualification alongside Malawi.
Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 21st minute before Gift Monday doubled Nigeria’s advantage in first-half stoppage time after being set up by Rinsola Babajide.
Egypt reduced the deficit through Nadine Ghazi’s penalty deep into added time, sending Nigeria into the break with a 2-1 lead.
Nigeria regained complete control after the restart.
Babajide provided her second assist of the night for Uchenna Kanu to make it 3-1 in the 57th minute, while Christy Ucheibe converted another penalty in the 81st minute.
Although Ghazi grabbed her second goal for Egypt three minutes later, Rasheedat Ajibade restored Nigeria’s three-goal cushion from the penalty spot in first-half added time before setting up Joy Omewa, who completed the scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The victory completed Nigeria’s recovery from an opening 3-2 defeat to Malawi, with Justine Madugu’s side finishing the group stage on six points after successive wins over Zambia and Egypt.
Despite Nigeria’s six-goal haul, Malawi topped Group C after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the other final group match.
Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia all finished on six points, with Malawi claiming first place on the tiebreak criteria, while Zambia were eliminated. Egypt ended the campaign without a point after losing all three matches and conceding 15 goals.
Nigeria now advance to the knockout stage with renewed confidence as they continue their bid to retain the continental title.
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